Cameron Myles
2026-01-25 01:00:00
Updated ,first published
Bushfires burning to the east of Mandurah in WA’s Peel region have eased, prompting the warning for nearby residents to be lowered to a watch and act.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services had issued a bushfire emergency warning for a number of communities in Crossman, Dwarda, Williams and Wandering, near Boddington, after four fires took hold in the region on Thursday.
Aerial support was called in and several roads were closed, including Albany Highway in both directions between Jarrahdale Road and the Williams townsite.
However, by Saturday evening the fire threat was downgraded, although people were still urged to avoid the area.
As of Sunday morning, the fire was stationary and Albany Highway had reopened, however Crossman-Dwarda Road remained closed.
About 150 firefighters attended the scene, and were joined by firefighters from the nearby Newmont Mine and South32 Emergency Response team.
The fire was first reported just after midday on Thursday, and is believed to have been ignited by a lightning strike. About 5000 hectares were burnt across the four fires.
For the most up-to-date information, visit Emergency WA or download the Emergency WA app from the App Store or Google Play, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Facebook, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins.
Fitzgerald River National Park fire downgraded
Meanwhile, several alerts covering communities around the Fitzgerald River National Park in WA’s Great Southern have been downgraded to watch and act warnings.
Residents in parts of Jerramungup, Pingrup, Ravesthorpe, West River and Bremer Bay had been earlier urged to flee as a fire which ignited on Friday increased in intensity.
However, those warnings were downgraded on Friday morning and an evacuation centre in Newdegate was closed due to improving conditions and a change in the bushfire’s behaviour.
Communities were still warned of a possible threat to lives and homes, and it is not safe to return to the Fitzgerald River National Park.
